An Answer vs. The Truth

Scripture: God was telling Moses that these men, though dead for hundreds of years, were still very much alive, for he would not have said, ‘I am the God’ of those who don’t exist! You have made a serious error. Mark 12:27

Observation: As the religious leaders continue to attempt to trap Jesus with questions, Jesus answers in ways that confound their efforts. However, he goes beyond the answer to reveal a truth.

In the case of the Sadducees who ask a question about marriage, he first answers them by stating their is no marriage in heaven. However, he then addresses an issue that was not part of the question, but rather is a truth about God and heaven ... that there is eternal life, as shown by the scriptures and the words of God himself. In the case of the 'spies' who ask about paying taxes to Rome, Jesus first answers them by simply stating they should give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. But, he adds, give to God what belongs to God, thus again reinforcing a truth about God and our relationship with him as it pertains to the tithe and offerings.

Jesus isn't just willing to engage in a trick questions. He is willing to voluntarily address the faulty logic that resides at the core of the trick.

Application: In a modern society that is being ripped apart by trick questions, the Church needs to be prepared to express the truth about the faulty assumptions. The trick questions are everywhere ... about race relations, gender issues, sexual morality, wealth distribution, family structures, and so many other topics.

I cannot be wise enough to respond to any such conversations the way Jesus did. At least, I cannot be wise enough on my own. This is why prayer is so important as a way of opening my heart to the Holy Spirit, and thus surrendering my thoughts in such situations. Even a question about wearing masks in public today becomes a divisive topic, with the purpose of such a question being a challenge to a conflict, so every conversation needs to be surrendered so I can find a way of expressing God's truth, not just an answer.

Prayer: Lord, this day, may I rely only upon your truth and your word in how I interact with the world. Please give me the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as I interact with others, and soften my heart to every conversation can foster peace and love. Amen.